THOUSANDS took to the streets to take part in the Worcester City Runs.

Around 5,000 have taken part in this year's runs, roughly 1,000 more than last year, and a crowd of hundreds lined the pavements near the Hive to cheer on their loved ones. 

Legendary three-time London Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe MBE officially started the junior runs, Worcester 10k and half marathon. 

The final race of the day, the Worcester Half Marathon, was won by Max Parker, who completed the run in 1 hour 9 minutes and 10 seconds. 

Mr Parker, who went to college in Worcester but now lives in London, said he was thrilled with his performance, particularly given that he wasn't sure he would even compete.

He added: "I have been having problems with my hip for the past few weeks, and it was very bad yesterday so I didn't know if I would run, but I am glad I did. 

"I loved taking part in this race and will definitely be back next year.

"I won the Droitwich Half Marathon in June, but the scale of this one is a lot bigger.

"It was a great atmosphere, its really nice to take part in an event where the other runners are cheering you on."

Nynke Kuiper finished as the fastest woman to complete the half marathon, which she ran in 1 hour 23 minutes and 56 seconds. 

A Guinness World Record was smashed at the event, with Ian Wild becoming the fastest man to complete a half marathon while dressed as a lumberjack. 

The fun got under way at 8.45am with the junior run. 

The one mile run was won by youngster Zac Hope, who completed it in six minutes and 47 seconds. 

Following that, the Worcester 10k got under way, with Adam Peacock completing his run first, in 31 minutes and 34 seconds. 

Hamish Yates, from Malvern, completed his first Worcester 10k.

He said the event was brilliant with a fantastic course and loved seeing his wife and daughter cheering him on. 

Many people who took part in the 10k and half marathon were raising money for charities including Acorns Children's Hospice.

Among them was Rod Lynch, who also completed his first 10k.

He said the event was 'really hard' but added he enjoyed it a lot.